Summer Field School
Language and Culture in Nicaragua
August 1-14, 2010
Study Spanish and explore issues of culture, religion, economics and globalization in a rural community in the mountains of northern Nicaragua. This two-week intensive seminar takes place in the rural farming cooperative of El Lagartillo, near the town of Achuapa, Nicaragua.
El Lagartillo is a farming cooperative of 24 households, with a population of just over 100 people. It was formed in 1983-84 when landless farmers came together as part of Latin America's progressive Christian Base Community movement. They were given land under Nicaragua's revolutionary process. They suffered tremendously during the U.S.-backed Contra war in the 1980's; their cooperative was attacked and three adults and three teenagers were killed.
Over the past 20 years, the community has formed strong ties with individuals and solidarity groups in Europe, Canada, and the United States. In 2004, they decided to create a casmpesino/rural language school in El Lagartillo supporting a vision of cultural exchange and transformation for social justice.
Program Description
Students will spend most of one week in El Lagartillo studying Spanish, living with the community, and writing and reflecting on the experience. They live with families and partake in the life of the community. Then they will spend another week traveling to other parts of Nicaragua, in an active debriefing process composed of meetings and interviews, recreation and reflection.
Faculty
Jim Phillips, Ph.D.
Dr. Phillips teaches courses in Anthropology and Latin American Studies, and International Studies at Southern Oregon University. He has lived and done extensive reserach in Central America and the Caribbean. A former Jesuit and researcher for international development and social change organizations, Dr. Phillips also has extensive local contacts and understanding of issues concerning soical change,community and national development, globalization, human rights, and religion in Latin America. He and his wife, Lucy Edwards, lived in Nicaragua during the Contra War from 1985-1987, and continue to make regular return visits.
Lucy Edwards, M.A.
Lucy Edwards is trained as a journalist and documentary producer and served as News Director at Jefferson Public Radio from 1996-2002. She has taught Communications and Sociology courses at SOU and UCSB. From 2006 to 2010, Ms. Edwards was program coordinator for the Community Emergency Response Team for the city of Ashland, preparing citizens to respond safely and effectively during disasters.
Application Information
Two-week program: August 1-14, 2010
Application forms may be obtained in the Office of International Programs, Stevenson Union 321. Fill out applicaiton and return to OIP. Applicants will be interviewed by the course faculty after applying.
Cost: Approximately $1600 - includes academic credits, meals, lodging, classes, and travel insurance. All travel and accommodation arrangements in Nicaragua will be taken care of by Dr. Phillips and Lucy Edwards. Airfare is not included. (During August airfares have normally ranged from $600-$900 round trip)
Academic Credit
Registered SOU students may obtain academic credit for the Nicaragua Field Study. In general, students who successfully complete the study and academic expectations are eligible to receive SSPC credits as follows:
SSPC 399 (Social Science, Policy, and Culture: Special Studies), 4 credits, P/NP only
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor is required, and will involve an interview.
Contact Information
For general information about the Field study in Nicaragua, the country, itinerary, schedule, or in-country activities please contact:
Dr. Jim Phillips at phillipj@sou.edu or 541-552-6133 or
Lucy Edwards at westerndesk@yahoo.com
Also see Dr. Phillips with questions about SSPC credits and course expectations.